Mogherini proposed to consider relations with Russia a key challenge to the EU

The head of EU diplomacy Federica Mogherini Tuesday, July 28, at the summit of EU leaders introduced the draft of the new European global strategy in the field of foreign and security policy. She wrote about this in his Twitter. On Tuesday the text of a document called “Common vision, common action: a stronger Europe” was published on the website of the Service for external relations of the European Union.pdf).

Relations with Russia named the strategy “a key strategic challenge.” The document notes, in a coherent and integrated approach by all countries needs to remain a cornerstone of EU policy towards Russia. “We will never recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea and accept the destabilization of Eastern Ukraine. We will strengthen the EU, to increase the stability of our Eastern neighbours and to support their right to freely determine their approach to the EU,” the document says.

The strategy also notes that the European Union and Russia are interdependent. “So, we will engage Russia in a discussion of the differences and to cooperate with it, if and when our interests intersect”, — the document says.

The strategy notes that in terms of collective defence is the basis for most member States remains NATO, which is why it is necessary to deepen cooperation with the Alliance. At the same time, the Agency Mogherini believes that the European States should be able to ensure its security. “As Europeans we must take more responsibility for our safety. We must be ready and able to deter, respond to, and protect themselves against external threats,” says the strategy.

The strategy was presented a few days after the last UK referendum, the results of which for the country’s withdrawal from the EU voted 52% of voters. On 28 June the European Parliament adopted a resolution which urged the UK as soon as possible to leave the European Union. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said that the British government need to define their position.

In the introduction to the new strategy Mogherini noted that in times of crisis in order to be strong, the Union should think strategically, to share a common vision and work together. “This is even more true after the British referendum,” wrote Mogherini.

Earlier on June 26, in an interview with Corriere Della Sera, Mogherini said that the EU should develop its own independent defense system. “While we strengthen our relationship with NATO, it is important to developed the EU had its own Autonomous defense capability. He can do this through the development of the European experience in the field of technology and industry. For example, by reserving at least 20% of the defense budget of every country in Europe”, — said Mogherini.

The previous European Union security strategy was developed in 2003. Mogherini, the Agency began development of a new EU strategy in the field of foreign and security policy in the summer of 2015.